Legacy in action

People in some of Edinburgh’s most deprived areas have reported increased levels of wellbeing and physical activity thanks to an £800,000 government fund.

The Edinburgh Active Lives project received a portion of the funding from the Legacy Physical Activity Fund in September 2015 to encourage adults over the age of 45 to be more active and healthy.

Since then more than 300 people have been referred with results including:

100% of respondents experiencing better health

Increased rates of physical activity

60% lost weight

Reduced visits to GPs

Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell visited Ainslie Park Leisure Centre in North Edinburgh to meet staff and people using the service. She said:

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games was a huge success, widely hailed as the best ever, and we wanted to harness that and ensure a lasting physical activity legacy.

“The Legacy 2014 Fund is key to that and is open to communities across Scotland who are looking to access money and make difference in their area – something Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Lives is a great example of.

“We want to become a more active and healthier nation and will continue to build on the success of the Commonwealth Games and use its legacy to inspire people to improve their wellbeing.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive June Peebles said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Minister to Edinburgh Leisure’s Ainslie Park Leisure Centre. It’s a great way for her to see first-hand how the Active Lives project is empowering previously inactive adults to get active.

“Physical activity is making such a positive difference to their lives and helping them to now be more able to make healthy lifestyle choices.”